Taking A Mature Driver Course

For drivers further down the road in their lives behind the wheel, a mature driving course can help you improve basic skills and refresh your driving knowledge. Check out this guide to mature driving courses and how they may be of benefit to you.

Mature Driver Course Material

Traffic laws and vehicle technology have changed greatly over the years. To get you up to speed, a mature driver course can help you learn new techniques and brush you up on the current rules of the road.

A few of the things you can expect a mature driver course to cover include:

  • Techniques to minimize blind spots.
  • Maintaining a safe following distance.
  • Changing lanes and completing turns safely.
  • Laws and operation for:
    • Safety belts.
    • Air bags.
    • Anti-lock brakes.
  • The effects of medication on the mind and body during vehicle operation.
  • How to eliminate distracted driving.
  • State-specific laws for:
    • Construction zones.
    • Child safety seats.
    • School buses.
    • Cell phones and texting.
    • The point system and penalties.
  • Tips for making:
    • Turns at intersections.
    • U-turns.
    • Right-of-way decisions.

Typically, these courses also include the latest in defensive driving skills and practices, which significantly help to improve your reaction time and coordination when other drivers put you in danger.

Benefits of a Mature Driver Course

There are a number of advantages you'll gain from completing a mature driver course. In addition to becoming more aware of new laws and getting up to speed with the latest car technology, you'll also benefit from:

  • Increased confidence.
    • Brushing up on your knowledge and becoming more aware of traffic laws will help you feel safer behind the wheel.
  • Lower insurance premiums.
  • A reduced risk of collisions.
    • By learning new defensive driving techniques, you'll be less likely to get in an accident.
  • Keeping passengers safe.
    • Being aware of the latest safety laws for child safety restraints, air bags, and vehicle navigation can improve the safety of everyone in your vehicle.
  • An increased awareness of physical and mental changes associated with age.
    • Acknowledging and understanding the natural age-related changes in the body and mind can help you adjust your driving habits in order to become a better, safer driver.
  • A lower chance of receiving a traffic ticket.
    • Learning new laws and driving techniques will help you avoid common traffic violations.

Course Types & Considerations

When it comes to choosing a mature driver course, you have options:

  • A traditional, in-person classroom setting.
  • Online course instruction.

While you'll likely prefer one method of teaching of the other, you'll also want to consider:

  • Your schedule.
    • Online classes are generally more flexible, and will allow you to complete at your own pace.
    • In-person classes provide a consistent schedule for those who learn better within a structured environment.
  • Where you live.
    • Online courses tend to favor individuals who prefer not to travel to and from. If you live in a rural area, it could be difficult for you to find a course near your residence.
  • Your style of learning.
    • Do you prefer feedback and interaction with your peers? You may be better suited for classroom attendance.
    • Do you like to read and sift through information slowly, digesting at your own pace? Online learning lets you take as much time as needed to absorb information.
  • Required technology.
    • If you choose the online option, be aware that you may need a computer with up-to-date software in order to take the class. You'll also need basic understanding of the tools involved with computer usage.
  • Course fees.
    • The cost of each course will vary according to the program you choose.
    • Online courses and attendance-based classes will usually differ in price.
  • Time.
    • The number of hours required can vary from state to state.
      • EXAMPLE: In California, an approved mature driver improvement course requires a minimum of 400 minutes of instruction for the initial.

If you prefer a classroom setting, here are a few resources that may be able to assist you with more information about classroom options and fees:

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